5 symptoms of hemorrhoids (and how to treat them)

When anal pain and bleeding occurs, especially during the act of evacuation, with blood streaked stools appearing or blood staining the toilet paper, it may indicate the presence of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can be visible on the outside of the anus or inside and come out through the rectum when straining to defecate. There are different degrees of hemorrhoids, with grade 1 being inside the anus, grade 2 coming out of the anus during evacuation. and grades 3 and 4 are outside the anus, being visible.

It is important that the gastroenterologist is consulted so that an assessment can be made of the characteristics of the hemorrhoids and the symptoms present, so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Main symptoms

Symptoms that may indicate hemorrhoids include:

1. Pain in the anus when its surface is rubbed by toilet paper or underwear;
2. Small ball in the anus which increases in volume;
3. Discomfort which can become persistent due to the dilation of hemorrhoidal veins;
4. Mucus release and feeling that the rectum has not been completely emptied;
5. Anal itchingdue to the difficulty in cleaning the anus because of the pain.

When the hemorrhoid is not externalized through the anus, its main symptom is sharp pain in the anal region and the presence of blood in the stool, toilet bowl or on toilet paper after a bowel movement.

When hemorrhoids can appear

A person can have more than one hemorrhoid and they can appear at any stage of life, although they are more common in adults and the elderly, especially affecting people who suffer from constipation and need to exert a lot of force to evacuate, and people who are overweight. . Pregnant women can also suffer from hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy, presenting the same symptoms and treatment can also be carried out under the guidance of an obstetrician or proctologist.

How to treat hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be treated using hemorrhoid ointment, sitz baths, softening the stool and in more serious cases, the doctor may even recommend surgery. See some ointments recommended for hemorrhoids.

Taking a sitz bath with chamomile, cypress or horse chestnut tea is a good way to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.

Furthermore, it is important to avoid spicy foods and soft drinks, and increase your intake of fruits and whole foods, in addition to drinking plenty of water, to help soften stools, avoiding pain. Check out other tips to get rid of hemorrhoids.

When to go to the doctor

It is advisable to see a doctor if you experience symptoms that may indicate the presence of hemorrhoids. This way, the doctor will be able to evaluate the signs and symptoms presented and carry out a physical assessment, indicating the most appropriate form of treatment.

Although the general practitioner or gastroenterologist can identify the hemorrhoid, treatment and surgery are usually carried out by the proctologist.

Watch the following video and learn more about hemorrhoids: